Early Learning Family Support Specialist - ECEAP

Job Descriptions - ECEAP/Head Start - Family Support Specialist POSITION OPENING FAMILY SUPPORT SPECIALIST Early Learning The Family Support Specialist provides quality, comprehensive child/family support services to preschoolers and their families; providing support, training, and case management to assist parents in meeting the needs of their children and enhancing parents' role as the primary influence on their child's education and development and supporting parents in increasing their economic stability; determining eligibility for program, enrolling families in program, enlisting parental involvement in child educational programs; working with parents in identifying and achieving goals; accessing support services; creating training programs; and facilitating positive parent, school and student relationships. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Recruits selects and enrolls eligible children and families for the purpose of providing comprehensive services, child/family support services and encouraging family involvement, maintaining full enrollment and serving families most in need of services according to federal guidelines.

2. Assesses family and infant/child needs (e.g. conducts surveys, interview, etc.) for the purpose of determining eligibility and/or developing an action plan to remove barriers to child's success in school.

3. Assists parents in a variety of areas (e.g. filling out forms/surveys, health, nutrition, living skills, budgeting, job skills, goal setting, etc.) for the purpose of developing an action plan to remove barriers to child's success in school and supporting the family in basic life skills and economic stability.

4. Orients prospective participants (e.g. site tours, program overview and eligibility requirements, benefits, etc.) for the purpose of establishing familiarity with program, services and required processes.

5. Provides or assists with providing health screenings, immunization verifications, and outside agency referrals (e.g. hearing, vision, immunization compliance, height/weight relationships, etc.) for the purpose of promoting needed treatment and complying with program requirements.

6. Visits children's homes for the purpose of enrolling students in program, interviewing parents, informing parents of school and/or community resources and providing child development/parenting information, and setting family goals.

7. Plans and facilitates family meeting and parent involvement events (e.g. health and welfare, nutrition, counseling, etc.) for the purpose of providing for family support needs and complying with program needs.

8. Develops individualized health, nutrition, and family support plans for all enrolled children for the purpose of furthering family goals, plans, and success strategies.

9. Participates in workshops, meetings, community events, etc. (e.g. FS meetings, WAEYCE/EHS conferences, etc.) for the purpose of receiving and/or presenting information.

10. Reports suspected incidents (e.g. physical, sexual and/or substance abuse, contagious diseases, etc.) to appropriate parties for the purpose of maintaining student's personal health and safety and adhering to Education Code, district and/or school policies.

11. Provides outreach to low income communities, community leaders and organizations for the purpose of recruiting families to Head Start, developing resources, and building partnerships with community members.

12. Administers Head Start program standards for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment.

13. Maintains a variety of manual and electronic documents, files and records (e.g. program participation, contact sheets, family file, Child Plus computer program, agency referrals, etc.) for the purpose of providing required information and/or documentation.

14. Maintains regular attendance; adheres to board policy. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

15. Education and Experience Preferred: a. AA in Human Services or Health with two years experience in human service program or serving low-income families preferred. OR b. BA in related health or human services field plus one year experience working with families, OR c. MA in human services field or MSW. Allowable Substitutions: d. Degree in other areas plus 2 years related experience and willingness to complete three college-level courses specified by Puget Sound ESD in the first year of employment.

16. Obtain a First Aid/CPR and Infant/Child CPR card within 90 days of hiring.

17. Completion of the Criminal History, Declaration form and fingerprinting.

18. Obtain a Food Handler's permit within 90 days of hiring and keep current.

19. Proof of physical exam, including a TB skin test. For those who have tested positive, a statement from a doctor or a chest x-ray must be provided.

20. Effective oral and written communication skills in English; fluency in Spanish desirable.

21. Ability to identify family strengths and plan/advocate around family goals.

22. Competence in planning, organizing, scheduling, recording keeping, staff and parent communications.

23. Ability to relate effectively with children, families, community members, and staff of diverse backgrounds.

24. Ability to build relationships and collaborate with other community agencies.

25. Interest and ability to advocate with and on behalf of low-income, diverse families. OTHER REQUIREMENTS

26. Attend center meetings and activities, including some evenings.

27. Expected to visit families in their homes.

28. May need to provide transportation for parents and children.

29. Must have the ability to provide an insured car. RELATIONSHIPS The Head Start Family Support Specialist reports directly to the Principal of the school. The specialist collaborates with school and district leaders and staff in interpreting and executing the above responsibilities in addition to any other responsibilities that may be assigned. The specialist maintains appropriate contact with students, parents, community members and other district staff members. SALARY Salary is determined by placement on the District salary schedule, plus fringe benefits.